One of the most influential and controversial members of the Washington state Legislature made a bombshell announcement Monday.

Senate Majority Leader Rodney Tom, D-Medina, announced he is dropping his bid for re-election. Tom is one of two Democrats who joined with Republicans last year to help them take control of the state Senate.

Gov. Jay Inslee is ratcheting up the pressure on legislators to pass a transportation package. He said he’ll call the state Legislature into special session to approve money for transportation investments and repairs, but only if he’s sure he has the votes to pass it.

News Roundup

6:49 am

Fri January 28, 2011

An impromptu street memorial for First Nations woodcarver John T. Williams, shot and killed by a Seattle policeman last August on Boren Avenue. Did police provide all pertinent documents to a Seattle Times disclosure request?

A city councilman's email plea to Seattle Police Chief John Diaz for an independent investigation following the fatal shooting of John T. Williams by a cop last August was omitted from a public disclosure request.